Public Seminar Series: Rethinking scientific literacy in an era of pandemics, conspiracies and climate emergencies
Recent events have called into question the adequacy of the science education offered in schools in the UK and elsewhere. The evidence suggests that, despite studying science at primary and secondary school, significant numbers of the public seem unfamiliar with some basic but important facts. A related issue is that trust in science and scientists is not as strong as might be expected in a developed country. Rather than carry on as though there is not really a problem, Justin Dillon will argue that we need to rethink what and how we teach science in schools. We also need to value what museums, science centres, botanic gardens, etc., can do to help. Finally, we need to examine what science and environmental education offer in terms of addressing the wicked problems facing society.

In-person booking link: forms.office.com/e/JrDdaDT9Ma
Zoom booking link: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lGb2k0X0SISeKInC0kwFRw
Date: 3 June 2024, 17:00 (Monday, 7th week, Trinity 2024)
Venue: 15 Norham Gardens, 15 Norham Gardens OX2 6PY
Venue Details: Seminar Room G/H
Speaker: Professor Justin Dillon (University College London)
Organising department: Department of Education
Organiser: Dr Ian Thompson (Department of Education, University of Oxford)
Part of: Public Seminar Series 2023/24
Booking required?: Required
Audience: Public
Editors: Hannah Freeman, Heather Sherkunov